Rivals250 WR Shamar Nash commits to Missouri

When offered the opportunity to transfer from Memphis (Tenn.) Central to Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy earlier this month, Rivals250 Shamar Nash didn't waste much time making a decision. And now, with several major college football programs battling to land his commitment, Nash is ready to make another swift decision.

"I've decided to commit to Missouri," Nash said Thursday. "Missouri is a great school, it has a great atmosphere and great culture for wide receivers. I love the coaching staff and everything they bring to the table so I decided, why wait if I know what I want to do?"

Missouri was one of Nash's first major offers and even though the Tigers lost offensive coordinator Josh Heupel this offseason, Nash said he knows he can thrive in Columbia.

"I have no doubt that things are going to be good if not better with the new offensive staff they have in," Nash said. "It's never been a question for me. I know they are going to keep putting up a ton of points and throwing the ball."

Nash's initial attraction to Missouri started when he realized a pair of the Tigers best receivers -- Emanuel Hall and Johnathon Johnson -- are both Tennessee natives.

"They know how to find good receivers and it helps that they are both from Tennessee," Nash said. "I've gotten to know them both and Johnathon Johnson is from Memphis, where everybody knows everybody."

While getting to know Johnson, Nash said he's learned more about how to succeed at the next level and why he can do it with Missouri.

"He loves it up there and he put in the work to get to where he is right now," Nash said of Johnson. "He’s a hard worker and where we come from that’s what we do and he made the best out of the situation that he’s in and that’s why he loves it so much. I think I can do the same thing."

If all goes according to plan, Nash will have a chance to step in and help fill Johnson's shoes down the road.

"They’ve done a great job and put up numbers that a lot of people couldn’t put up and I Just have to follow in their footsteps," Nash said. "I know it’s not easy to do what they did and it takes hard work and I’m really working hard to be at that level."

Nash's relationship with his primary recruiter at Missouri, wide receivers coach A.J. Ofodile, also played a major part in his decision.

"He's a hands-on recruiter," Nash said. "He's just a great guy altogether. He shows a lot of attention to the people he recruits and I feel like nothing will change when I get up there. He will help me reach my goals."

Nash hasn't been on campus in Columbia since the Tigers game against Auburn back in the fall, but that first impression was enough for him to fall in love.

"It’s just a great atmosphere," Nash said. "The first impression is the most important impression and I just loved everything about it. The crowd was energetic no matter the situation, the team was still energetic no matter what. They never stopped fighting and that’s the most important thing. That’s something I want to be a part of."

Now settled in at IMG Academy and with his commitment out of the way, Nash said he's looking forward to settling in and focusing on his craft before enrolling early next January.

"I feel like I can focus more on football here," he said. "I was blessed enough to be in a situation where I have offers and stuff like that so I just thank God for what I have. I didn't need to come here and get a bunch of offers and now that I know my decision I can just focus on getting better and working hard and preparing for the next level."

Nash is the first commit for the Tigers in the Class of 2019.